Interview questions regarding what was most rewarding and less rewarding for your previous job can be difficult. While honesty is essential, it is equally necessary to be an ambassador and wise in your response.
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What The Interviewer Wants to Know
Interviewees ask this question to get an idea of the activities you like and do not enjoy. For example, it says you have an interview for a role in a multi-paper work.
If you answer this question by saying that the papers were the most valuable part of your last job, your interviewees will know that you may not be well suited for the position.
Interviewers will look to see how you deal with unrewarding job features. After all, any job comes with some undesirable pieces. For example, interviewers want to know if you are a lowly person or accept unhealthy traits, or are prone to complaining.
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How You Can Answer The Question
When interviewing, always be aware of the job interview and adjust your response accordingly. For example, if the last job you had involved a lot of customer service phone work that you hated, and if being on the phone doing the same thing is just a tiny part of a new job, you can say it.
Even if you have questions, do not give an entirely negative answer. If you cannot get the right pitch, you do not want to be frustrated, so invest in a good capo.
If you can think of any small silver line associated with the most valuable part of your work, mention it. It is probably not the problem you should raise in the interview if you do not know.
If there is something about a new role you are negotiating that will make your most profitable situation impossible, it is an excellent opportunity to identify that as part of your interest in the job or associate it with your response to why you want to work here.
It is beneficial if you can link your most rewarding self-esteem with the responsibilities involved in your work.
Samples Of Attractive Answers
- One of the most rewarding experiences I had at OX Company was to track down the cause of buggy behavior on OX customer products. I could feel the frustration of a customer’s voice over the phone, so I arranged to have another call. It took two tech people, but we got the story in the end. Moreover, it was satisfying to get the customer back with a solution to his case.
Why It Works: This answer shows how a candidate can turn frustration into problem-solving.
- We used to have a real problem with internal communication. My manager and I presented an internal newsletter to share information, and at a holiday party, one of the board members told me how helpful this monthly email had been.
Why It Works: This is a focused approach to discussing the less rewarding aspect of the job.
- I look at myself first and foremost as a problem solver. So the most rewarding aspect of my last job was helping clients solve their problems. However, when the same issues occur more often, it bothers me. And again, these are just some of the goal-setting shareware you can use. So, with the help of my manager, we have created a website for these ongoing problems. Some, but not all, have been resolved since we started the process.
Why It Works: This candidate demonstrates an honest self-awareness and how critical skills (problem-solving) help them in everyday tasks and when responding to work frustrations.
Tips For Giving The Best Answer
Analyze some assumptions as regards the qualifications the employer wants. Then, make sure the bonds that you say are the most rewarding are the same.
Then, be sure to explain why they are so satisfying and use the opportunity to highlight specific skills or talents and the impact you have had, be it on colleagues, clients, or the company itself.
Highlight unimportant things to find the most valuable part of your answer. Mention something you will not need in a new job and always carry your answer with a positive note.
You can set it up as a low-paying item compared to the most lucrative jobs. For example, suppose you are moving from a customer support function to a reception area.
In that case, you can say that you have found email communication less enjoyable than chatting with people, so you are happy that this new position involves more time on the phone.
Consider focusing on solutions. In an ideal world, something you found rewarding you less for your previous job is something you and your manager have been able to fix.
So even if they are not used, it is good to say whatever solutions you came up with to fix what was wrong. Doing so will show you that keys and optimism drive you.
And just because your former employees did not use the answer in your last job does not mean that the company will not consider it if a similar situation arises.
What Not To Say
Do not speak ill of people. If a colleague or supervisor was the worst part of your last job, don’t say that. Instead, you can discuss how working with those people has been challenging.
For example, suppose you had a situation where your former colleague was unorganized and stuck to making all the documents. One way to say this is that your old job requires so much paperwork that you could not focus on the main tasks of the job itself.
It conveys the dissatisfaction with the situation that caused you to fail at work instead of annoying your colleague. Rather than a complaint about people, discuss conditions and activities.
Do not be arrogant. When it comes to the most rewarding aspect of your role, you want to be able to say something you have achieved; make an annual budget, close a contract, successfully manage a project, etc. without boasting.
Do not complain. If you cannot get the right pitch, you do not want to be frustrated, so invest in a good capo.
Mention only the issues you can put up with for some positive spin, either the silver line you found or the solution you used.
Possible Follow-Up Questions
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Do you get along well with others?
- What do we expect from you in the first 60 days at work?
Important Notes
- In line with the general understanding that you like and dislike as an employee, this question can also reveal your attitude.
- Be strategic in your response – you will want to know what skills and qualifications are most important to the success and shape your answer appropriately.
- Please keep it simple, and do not talk about your colleagues or bosses. Make an effort to close your comment on a positive note.
- If you are talking about something less practical, consider weaving how you worked to improve the situation.